1996 BMW 332 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 332. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 332 would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 332 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 332 (323 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Passat. (168 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 332 should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 332 weights approximately 124 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 332 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 BMW 332. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1996 BMW 332 (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Passat. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 332 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 332 | 2013 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 332 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 323 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1436 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4868 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1835 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1487 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2803 mm |
